Visakhapatnam, April 14: In response to the growing incidence of lifestyle-related neurological complaints, particularly among working-age individuals, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, today announced the launch of a dedicated Headache Clinic. The initiative aims to enable early diagnosis and provide structured, evidence-based treatment for patients suffering from recurrent and chronic headaches.
Headaches, often dismissed as a routine inconvenience, are increasingly emerging as a significant yet under-recognised health concern. Medical experts note that migraine alone affects nearly one in seven individuals globally, with India accounting for one of the highest burdens—impacting an estimated 150 million people. Despite this, nearly half of headache cases remain undiagnosed or are self-managed, with many individuals relying on over-the-counter medication instead of seeking professional care.
Clinicians at CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, have observed a steady rise in patients, particularly in the 25–45 age group, presenting with persistent headaches linked to stress, prolonged screen exposure, and irregular lifestyles. Many continue to depend on painkillers for extended periods, often seeking medical attention only when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life and productivity.
The launch was marked by an awareness programme organised by the Department of Neurosciences (Neurology & Neurosurgery) and the Department of Interventional Radiology. The session brought together leading specialists, including Dr. G Kishore Babu, Dr. MGV Aditya, Dr. Avinash Jada, Dr. N.V.S Mohan, Dr. Sandeep Talari, Dr. Vijay Kumar Terapalli, and Dr. Rajesh Poosarla, to highlight evolving approaches in headache care and the importance of early medical evaluation.
Experts emphasised that headaches should not be treated as a single-condition issue. According to the International Headache Society, headaches are broadly classified into primary headaches, secondary headaches, and cranial neuralgias or facial pain, with many patients experiencing multiple types simultaneously—making personalised diagnosis and treatment essential.
The newly launched Headache Clinic adopts a multidisciplinary, protocol-driven approach, integrating neurology, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology. It introduces a structured evaluation pathway that includes detailed pattern mapping, trigger identification, and personalised treatment protocols—moving beyond symptomatic relief towards long-term management. The clinic also offers advanced diagnostics and modern therapies, including minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for select conditions, reducing reliance on prolonged medication.
Doctors cautioned that headaches accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, vision disturbances, or neurological deficits should not be ignored and advised timely medical consultation over prolonged self-medication. The programme also highlighted advancements in interventional radiology, enabling effective management of certain headache conditions through minimally invasive techniques, ensuring faster recovery and improved outcomes.
Sukesh Reddy G, Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, said,
“Neurological disorders like chronic headaches are often under-recognised, yet they significantly impact productivity and quality of life. At CARE Hospitals, our focus is not just on treating symptoms, but on building structured, specialised care pathways that enable early diagnosis and better long-term outcomes. The launch of this Headache Clinic reflects our commitment to strengthening advanced clinical capabilities and expanding access to high-quality, patient-centric neurological care in emerging healthcare markets like Visakhapatnam.”
Dr. MGV Aditya, Senior Neurologist, added,
“Headaches are often underestimated, but not every headache is benign. Patterns, frequency, and associated symptoms matter. Recurrent or severe headaches can significantly affect quality of life and may indicate underlying neurological conditions. Through this dedicated clinic, we aim to move beyond temporary relief and focus on precise diagnosis and targeted treatment. Early intervention can prevent progression and help patients regain control over their daily lives.”
With this initiative, CARE Hospitals continues to expand its focus on advanced clinical capabilities and patient awareness, encouraging individuals to move beyond temporary relief and seek early, evidence-based intervention for improved long-term outcomes.
